By Norah Bradford
After a tumultuous year, New York is slowly but surely making a comeback. With pandemic restrictions changing almost regularly, businesses are making extra efforts to cater to the city that never sleeps in these unprecedented times. From Luxury salons and chocolates, to new restaurants and renovated ones to accommodate outside dining, New Yorkers still have plenty of things to keep them busy.
NEW YORK CITY
Hotel Hayden – Modern luxury in the heart of Chelsea
A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Hayden is a fashion-forward, independent boutique hotel in the heart of Chelsea, just steps from New York City’s Fashion, Flower, and Hudson Yard Districts. Hotel Hayden remained open through the pandemic following strict CDC guidelines. The full-service modern hotel is pet-friendly and sits amid the City's progressive renaissance and 24/7 bustle, and features all-day dining, a rooftop bar, and private meeting and event space. Dining at the Hayden is a relaxed affair, with signature Greek dishes served in the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bistro, Mykonos Blue. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, both indoors and on an outdoor patio, Mykonos Blue serves classic Greek cuisine made with all-natural ingredients.
Equinox Hotel – The Fitness Capital of New York City
The urban oasis, Equinox Hotel New York, has reopened with enhanced safety measures for both guests and staff. Equinox Hotels has coupled the strictest hygiene and cleaning standards in the industry with an unparalleled approach to well-being. This holistic approach goes above and beyond by delivering a personalised experience for their guests, Combining health and luxury, Equinox has been nicknamed “The Fittest Hotel on Earth.” From their beautifully designed rooms and facilities, to their dynamic Rooftop Terrace Restaurant, Electric Lemon and unparalleled fitness centre and spa, Equinox Club, Equinox Hotels was created for those who rest and play as hard as they work.
Il Gattopardo – Fine Italian dining
Il Gattopardo serves traditional Southern Italian comfort food that has been adapted for the contemporary palate without compromising the authenticity of the cuisine, which became a must to its loyal upscale New Yorker clientele. They are committed to producing top quality Southern Italian gastronomy, using authentic ingredients, and to keeping the tradition of Italian culture, and hospitality, vibrant and passionate. Located in the renovated Rockefeller Townhouses, Il Gattopardo boasts a large indoor dining room, an outdoor garden, and now has added extra outdoor seating to accommodate for CDC regulations. Il Gattoaprdo is dedicated to serving the finest quality dishes while maintaining the safety of its guests and staff. Buon appetito!
Bobby Van’s East 54th Street – Traditional steakhouse dining
Bobby Van's Steakhouse New York, located at 54th Street, is notable for its prime selection of superior steaks, distinctly excellent chops and incomparable seafood selection and invites you to enjoy the warm hospitality and quality fare that the traditional American steakhouses of New York are known for. Situated in a building once frequented by Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, this is the quintessential place for the "steakhouse, New York" experience. With its richly handcrafted wood walls and well-stocked bar, Bobby Van's Steakhouse offers both private and conventional seating. Diners can enjoy the outstanding and award-winning wine list, which is personally selected by Bobby Van's own sommelier. The dining is spacious for social distancing, and their delicious fare is also available for takeout.
T-Bar Steak & Lounge – Classic dishes with a modern twist
Upper East Side hotspot T-Bar Steak & Lounge has been warmly embraced by New Yorkers since it first opened its doors in 2007 and is noted for its perfect execution of classic dishes. Under the watchful eye of restaurateur Tony Fortuna and Executive Chef Ben Zwicker, T-Bar is a new spin on the classic upscale steak house. The menu features a wide selection of dishes, ranging from well-cooked renditions of classics, to refined and inventive plates, providing the ultimate dining experience. Open daily for pick up and delivery, T-Bar serves prime beef steaks, as well as a mélange of grilled fish, chopped salads, burgers and pastas. A long list of perfectly-prepared side dishes, like the Sautéed Haricot Verts with garlic, or the Roasted Brussel Sprouts with shallots, complement each entrée on the menu. Chef Zwicker, who has worked at other prestigious kitchens including Four Seasons, Aureole, and Petrossian, has crafted a decadent dessert menu, including the popular Banana Parfait Mille Feuilles with coconut and caramel sauce. The specialty cocktails, made quickly and consistently, are expertly crafted and presented, and the wine list is both extensive and thoughtful.
www.tbarnyc.com
Eataly – A taste of Italy deliver to your door
Eataly at Home, is a curated online food shopping experience that can be delivered to your door, every Friday, in Long Island, Connecticut and also NYC. They offer curated boxes filled with the best of Eataly or ones where you can hand-pick each item in the box yourself. Their “Built for You” boxes will always be filled to the brim with the best of pantry, produce, fresh pasta and prepared items, which will take the hassle out of any decision making. Options for a box that you can customise include authentic Italian and local options such as Roi Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Liguria; Afeltra dry pasta from Campania; artisanal salumi and formaggi like Prosciutto di Parma DOP and Parmigiano Reggiano DOP; local cuts of meat from their butcher; fresh produce; regional wines; cooking kits like for Pizza alla Pala, already prepared dishes like lasagna and more. Their "eatalyathome.com" project was born as a necessity during the pandemic but it is here to stay and it is dedicated to Long Island.
www.eatalyathome.com
Oceans – Exceptional seafood from north of the border
Oceans, a locally and globally inspired seafood restaurant, was founded by Vancouver’s award-winning Toptable Group with the philosophy of creating a timeless and approachable dining experience. Executive Chef Andy Kitko sets the vision for the menu inspired by the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean shores that features the freshest catches available – all accented by seasonal ingredients. The restaurant offers dine-in seating to enjoy the seasonally focused, ocean-forward menus.
MarieBelle New York – Delectable luxury chocolates
There is no better way to enjoy the new year than treating yourself to delicious chocolates from Maribel Lieberman of MarieBelle New York. From the New York City themed ganache, to their famous Aztec Hot Chocolate and signature truffles, MarieBelle New York has all your favourite chocolate delicacies. Woman-owned MarieBelle New York is a world-renowned luxurious global chocolate company. Their fine art edibles are produced in their Brooklyn factory with retail locations throughout New York City and Japan. MarieBelle’s flagship store in New York’s famous Soho District offers chocolate lovers a sumptuous shopping experience. MarieBelle’s newest New York retail shop is located in Midtown Manhattan’s stunning Japanese-owned Kitano Hotel. Each location pairs perfectly with their lavish and decadent chocolate designs. Customers can purchase MarieBelle’s tasty products online and are available for store pick up or walk in at the Kitano Hotel.
www.mariebelle.com
Goldlok Vodka – The luxury vodka
American craft luxury vodka, Goldlok is a tantalising, unfiltered expression of a smooth vodka. Goldlok's creative ingenuity has been welcomed by mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike. To create Goldlok Vodka, the passionate taste of sugar cane is distilled five times from the natural essence of the Amazon in Brazil. The smooth taste of Goldlok Vodka starts with the crisp waters of the Rocky Mountains and organic Brazilian sugar cane. To further enhance its character, Goldlok borrows methods from California's top winemakers to mellow out and soften the spirit. It's a delicious spirit that's ready to sip, make into sophisticated cocktails, and everything in between. There are absolutely no additives, just pure sugar cane, clean water, oxygen, and time. Luxury is defined by the very best of everything.
Michela Bruni Reichlin – Handcrafted Italian jewellery
Italian Jewellery creator, Michela Bruni Reichlin, takes the inspiration for her jewellery from her visits to China where her father once served as the Italian Ambassador.
Her passion for precious stones has moved her to the discovery and purchase of semi precious stones, such as, Jade, Agate, Coral, Onyx and Turquoise of great beauty and appeal. From the fusion of eastern and western taste, particular and innovative jewellery pieces are created for a unique look and design such as the long earrings in gold and diamonds with interchangeable pendants in a variety of handcrafted semi precious stones. All of Michela’s work is modern and contemporary thanks to her fantasy and creativity. All earrings are composed of two pieces, a top and an interchangeable pendant available in a variety of colours and semiprecious stones of oriental origin. Her collection also includes rings, necklaces and bracelets. Design and production are rigorously made in Italy.
MvVO ART – The digital art show continues
While the AD ART SHOW is over at the Oculus in the Westfield World Trade Center, the show continues on and the art is for sale on the MvVO ART Artsy gallery via MvVOART.com. The AD ART SHOW 2020 was an innovative, all-digital, contemporary art show, featuring Art (paintings, photography, sculptures, mixed media) by talented artists from advertising on display in a spectacular New York City setting. This innovative all-digital show displayed artworks by 135 talented contemporary artists on the 22 monumental screens of the Oculus.
www.mvvoart.com
Gabriela Gil – The up & coming artist to know
Artist Gabriela Gil connects elements of the immediate present through the use of line, colour, and rhythm. This combination of line and organic shapes in her painting reflects an admiration for both nature’s softness and the human instinct to connect. Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Gabriela has moved throughout South and North America her entire life. The constant migration has shaped her multicultural perspective; and nurtured her interest in art as a way to transcribe her personal experience using a unique visual language. Her first creative expressions were in ballet and modern dance at the age of five, and later evolved to other mediums including photography, sculpture, and painting. Her studio is based in New York. After Gabriela’s first successful solo art exhibit for part one of her Time and Space series, Gabriela will be holding her second art exhibit for part two of her Time and Space series later this month.
www.gabrielagil.com
Leesa Rowland – Author & philanthropist
Most acclaimed actors have interesting backgrounds, but few are as unique and wide-ranging as cult film star and philanthropist Leesa Rowland. Shortly after Leesa finished her acting studies at the world-renowned Stella Adler Studio in Los Angeles, she gained a following after being cast as Victoria in Troma Entertainment’s 1992 cult film classic, Class of Nuke ‘Em High Parts 2 and 3, and she also appeared in the sequel Return To Nuke ‘Em High, which aired on The Starz Network in 2013. She is also well-known for her work as a philanthropist and animal rights activist. A vegan dedicated to healthy eating, she has been active with the national non-profit organisation Last Chance for Animals since 1989 and is the president of the New York non-profit group Animal Ashram, which she founded in 2013. Leesa, who is also author of the best-selling self-help/motivational book Discovering the It Factor within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality, has announced the release of the sequel titled The Charisma Factor: Unlock the Secrets of Magnetic Charm and Personal Influence in Your Life, hitting stores nationwide and electronically Spring 2021.
www.leesarowland.net
Angelo David Salon – Thinning hair and hair loss experts
When people come to Angelo David Salon, they can expect to leave with hair they never thought was obtainable. As owner and creative director of Angelo David Salon, and one of New York City’s leading authorities on fine and thinning hair, Angelo David Pisacreta is not just a hair illusionist; he is the Vera Wang of couture hair. Located in an open space overlooking Madison Avenue, the salon boasts a team of highly trained staff members dedicated to making each client feel welcome and appreciated. Angelo David Salon offers a full range of renowned services for thinning hair solutions, including couture wigs, couture hair extensions, and five private VIP hair suites. The full-service salon offers — in addition to thinning hair solutions — the best in cut, colour, colour correction, and styling, transforming your hair from thin to thick, and short to long. Angelo’s vast experience with hair, hair health, and hair growth led him to realise that hair health issues often begin inside the body, not on the surface. Angelo David Hair Care products, the Hair Detox hair revival supplement, and the Angelo David Couture Brush Collection are all available online at www.angelodavid.com
My Darling Ivy – The hair saviours
A neighbourhood hair salon located in Chelsea, NYC offering good hair and good vibes. My Darling Ivy, the hotter-than-tongs Chelsea salon owned by Manny Rolon, Mark Bustos and VJ Moscaritola, is again open for business. Whether it is correcting the self-inflicted wounds of quarantine or adding life and lustre to dull hair, landing on a new everyday look, or choosing a style for a special event, Manny and his team go over every detail with a fine-tooth comb.
THE HAMPTONS
Southampton Inn – The idyllic East End vacation
Located in the heart of historic Southampton Village, just steps from Main Street, the Southampton Inn is classic, unassuming and utterly charming. The Inn offers the personal attention of a Bed & Breakfast with the services of a hotel. Their 90 guest rooms, all with slightly different décor, offer comfortable, memory foam mattresses, over 100 television and movie channels, refrigerators and Wi-Fi. The grounds consist of several acres of manicured lawns and gardens, that everyone can enjoy. Southampton Inn has a 50-foot heated outdoor pool (seasonal), all-weather tennis court, Croquet and Volleyball, Game Room for all ages, and Claude’s Restaurant with its award-winning breakfast daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, and brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. shops are delightful, art galleries are enticing, walking and hiking through the historic streets and on the ocean beaches are restorative. Restaurants offer their local fare with outside dining, take-out, and socially distanced inside (subject to the governor's mandates).
The Coop – Decadent chicken in the Hamptons
The owners of Southampton Social Club, Union Burger Bar, and Union Sushi & Steak are bringing a new concept to Southampton that has never been done before on the east end. Restaurateurs Ian Duke and David Hilty, opened Southampton’s first ghost kitchen called The Coop. And, as food guru Ian puts it, The Coop serves chicken that is simply “scrumptious.” The Coop is operating out of Southampton Social Club, which is closed during the off-season but is still open for private events. The ghost kitchen concept will enable customers to order delivery as well as offering Curbside Pick-Up for guests who order through the website or via telephone. There in fact will be daily specials for those who order directly through the restaurant’s website for Curbside Pickup. While there will be no indoor or outdoor dining, The Coop will be available for catering small gatherings and events. If you are looking to cater your dinner in New York City, The Coop has you covered with their Dinner Party Package.
www.thecooptogo.com
T-Bar Southampton – Upper East Side hot spot in the Hamptons
T-Bar Southampton is ready to serve the best classic cuisines with a modern twist. T-Bar Southampton is following the strict CDC and Health department guidelines. To comply with these guidelines, T-Bar Southampton’s outside patio dining is adequately spaced to maintain social distancing, and for those still nervous going out to eat, T-Bar Southampton is also offering takeout options. Diners can begin their meal at T-Bar Southampton with the flavourful Thin Crust Pizza, Margherita or Meatballs. The restaurant also has tantalising salad dishes such as the Watermelon Salad with Feta Cheese, Tomatoes, and Balsamic Vinaigrette. Also available on its delectable appetiser menu are the popular Crispy Sushi, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and Vietnamese Shrimp Roll.
A meal at T-Bar Southampton would not be complete without ordering a favourite from The Steak Bar, which features an impressive range of superbly-cooked certified Black Angus cuts of beef including its Black Angus Porterhouse for two served with your choice of Steak Sauce, Béarnaise Sauce or Poivre Sauce. The menu also boasts numerous other American classics including the signature Crusted Tuna served with soy, wasabi rémoulade and seaweed salad and the Chicken Milanese made with chopped Salad and lemon. Cap the evening off with irresistible desserts like the must-try Banana Parfait Mille Feuilles with coconut and caramel sauce or the decadent Strawberry Sundae served with shortcake, meringue, brandy, and cream.
Union Burger Bar – Mouthwatering burgers & shakes
The dining hotspot went through massive renovations and has moved up to the main restaurant and bar, making way for the new Union Sushi & Steak which is now open as well in Union Burger Bar’s former location.
The restaurant continues to offer an assortment of specialty gourmet burgers, fresh hand-cut fries, maniacal milkshakes and desserts and an elaborate craft beer and small batch bourbon selection. Restaurateur and owner Ian Duke with award-winning Executive Chef Scott Kampf are excited to continue bringing these culinary offerings to the year-round dining staple of Southampton, NY. Union Burger Bar also has delectable deals throughout the week including the $5 Burger Night on Wednesdays (starting at 6:00pm), Burger & A Beer on Thursdays (starting at 6:00pm), and the Weekday $10.95 Lunch Special (Mon-Fri 11:30am-3:00pm). Come experience Union Burger Bar!
Union Sushi & Steak – A modern take on the classic steakhouse
Ian Duke and partner David Hilty, the owners of the Southampton Social Club and Union Burger Bar, unveiled the East End’s hottest new dining destination: Union Sushi & Steak, a modern take on the steakhouses of old.
Co-located with Union Burger Bar in the historic Bowden Square property, the year-round restaurant fuses the energy of a supper club from the days of old with a modern ambiance. The cuisine is brought to us by award-winning Chef’s Scott Kampf and Marc Fasciana of varied fame and tenures. The delectable menu features dry aged steaks that are courtesy of Niman Ranch in Colorado and the assorted fresh sushi and sashimi menu is both enticing and inventive.
As with Southampton Social Club, Union Sushi & Steak has quickly become an East End nightlife hotspot as well. Meanwhile, Duke’s award-winning burgers and fries spot, Union Burger Bar continues to serve up American comfort food in the adjacent space. Welcome to Union Steak & Sushi!
www.dineatunion.com
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